Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 1

Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail Final Report – February 2002 Master Plan and Interpretive Planning Framework

Executive Summary

This report presents a master plan and interpretive planning framework for the Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail Project. Sponsored by the Quassaick Creek Coalition and the City of Newburgh, the Project is envisioned as a multi-phased effort to create accessible trails, parking, and interpretive features as part of creek and streamside buffer restoration and recovery of some its important cultural artifacts, such as the Twin Arch Bridge. Accessible trails for passive recreation and education will help increase public awareness, support and volunteer efforts to preserve the natural and cultural features of the Preserve. Public participation will also help attract fund-raising and grant support to restore the natural habitat along the estuary and creek, for birds, fish, and flora and fauna indigenous to this unique Hudson River estuary.

This report consists of three sections:

I: Maps and Documentation of existing conditions and proposed features of the Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail. This documentation is intended to record the plan for the Trail. Part I documentation includes a Phase I master plan (pp. 1.1-1.3), sketches and photos along the trail (pp. 1.4-1.5) and illustrations of selected trail features, for example, restoration and accessible trails to the Candle Factory Bridge (pp. 1.6).

II. Record of the Trail Design Workshop held on January 25-26, 2002 in which over 70 individuals from public agencies and the community helped frame a vision and detail various aspects of the plan.

III. Notes on Interpretive Design, which outlines a process by which the “story of the place” becomes the guiding “script” for trail signage and other features, including brochures, educational programs and cultural site restoration. Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 2

Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve & Trail Trail Design Charrette Workshop Record

Sponsored by Quassaick Creek Coalition and the City of Newburgh

Friday, January 25, 1:00pm-5:00pm, continuing to Saturday, January 26, 8:30am-12:00pm. Hudson Hall, Mount St. Mary College, City of Newburgh

This Workshop Record provides a summary of discussion, suggestions and ideas of the Trail Design Brainstorming Workshop. The Workshop Record and its recommendations are part of the Master Planning Report.

Goal of Workshop To facilitate community involvement in planning for the Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail

Facilitators (resumes attached in Appendix) Don Watson, EarthRise Stefan Yarabek, Hudson & Pacific Design, Inc. Elizabeth McKean, City of Newburgh Engineering Department Cynthia Belden, EarthRise Chad Brown, Hudson & Pacific Design, Inc. Linda Thomas, Artist

CHARRETTE AGENDA

Fri. Jan. 25. 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. 12:45 pm arrival and sign-in 1:00 Introduction to workshop 1:15 Existing conditions: What is known about the site 1:30 Design elements and issues 1:45 Break-out group discussions. 3:30 Summary: Group Reports 4:40 Questions that need to be answered. 5:00 adjourn

Sat., Jan. 26. 8:15am - 12:15 pm. 8:15 am arrival and sign-in 8:30 Introduction to Saturday workshop 8:45 Overnight reports 10:00 Break-out group discussions 11:00 "Showtime" presentation of all work. 12:00 pm Evaluation and completion of "ideas and suggestion" forms 12:15 adjourn Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 3

THE VISION (excerpted from II, Record of Trail Design Workshop)

The Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail Project will restore a naturally rich and culturally important Hudson River estuary. Trails and interpretive settings will commemorate the early industrial history of the City of Newburgh and Town of New Windsor and provide a unique park for community recreation, education and natural science research.

The Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail is envisioned as a linear park, a living Quassaick community park that is made part of a regional Greenway Trail system from Albany to New York City, linked to the Hudson River Estuary. The preserve and trail design will balance recreational, historical, and environmental values and will incorporate an appreciation of cultural artifacts, nature, land and water, the estuary, wildlife, and history from pre-history to the current renaissance.

The Preserve will be a quiet oasis, a place of refuge, solitude, meditation, for the appreciation of the outdoors, nature, the environment, and the educational theme of a reclaimed landscape. Parts of the preserve and trail will be universally accessible, including a proposed sensory loop trail. A 100-foot forested streamside buffer will protect the creek habitat. Once common fish species will be re-introduced, and those that have struggled to survive would find their habitat conducive to spawning and thriving because of habitat restoration and enhancement.

The linear park will reclaim the history of the community, in the form of a “memory trail” for the rich industrial history which include Revolutionary War linkages, archaeological sites, the old Kings Highway, and Vale of Avoca. The entire corridor would be on the historic register. American Felt & Filter would be a working mill museum, giving context to the remnants of mill sites.

Educational opportunities in history and nature will present themselves, with participation of experts, students, and agencies. Students of all ages, from elementary to college to teachers-in- training, would find the Quassaick Preserve and Trail an outdoor classroom.

Stewardship and responsibility will be shared by the municipalities, managed by a council of individuals representing neighborhood groups, sportsmen, educators, naturalists, agencies, scouts, and senior citizens. Opportunities for volunteers will include guides, patrols, biodiversity inventories, trail-grooming, writing for publications and the website, organizing walks, and stream monitoring.

Actions to make this vision a reality include addressing immediate concerns, such as site clean- up, trail maintenance, property delineation/fencing, safety and emergency response, flooding of trail, parking quality degradation from upstream, and assessing the impact on neighboring communities, for which the Preserve will provide a highly attractive and accessible recreation.

Other issues include ownership and stewardship responsibilities, clean-up, various levels of restoration and trail construction, safety, funding, and community outreach.

Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 4

Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail Final Report Master Plan and Interpretive Planning Framework

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I Maps and Documentation (Note: PAGINATION CHANGED) Bird’s eye view of Preserve and Trail 1.1 Location Key to photos and sketches 1.2 Linkages to Algonquin Park in Town of Newburgh --- Watershed map and Master Plan 1.3 Photos existing conditions not included in this packet 1.4 Sketchbook along the trail not included in this packet 1.5 Candle Factory Bridge not included in this packet 1.6 The importance of streamside buffers “ 1.7

II Record of the Trail Design Workshop Agenda 2.1 Synopsis 2.2 Introduction to workshop 2.4 Breakout Group Discussions 2.4 1 Master Planning (entire trail system) 2.4 2 Phase I Plan (Bridge Street east to river) 2.5 3 Interpretive Planning “Stories” 2.6 4 Recreation 2.7 5 Research and Education 2.8 6 Management / Implementation 2.10

Saturday welcome remarks 2.11 Saturday reports 2.12 1 Interpretive Planning 2.13 2 Physical Plan 2.13 3 Management/Stewardship Plan 2.14 4 Action plan 2.15

Appendix A: End of First day Evaluation Comments 2.16 Appendix B: Attendees and Facilitating Team 2.19 Appendix C: Summary of Participant Evaluations 2.21

III Notes on Interpretative Design not included in this packet Summary 3.1 1 Interpretive planning 3.1 Terms frequently used in interpretive planning 3.2 Measures of success of interpretive planning 3.2 Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 5

Discovery-base learning 3.2 Evaluation of outcomes 3.4 2 Examples of peer institutions 3.5 Guide to site visits to peer institutions 3.5 3 The visitor profile 3.5 Obtaining and assessing visitor data 3.6 A very simple visitor survey technique 3.6 Visitor demographics 3.7 4 Design of nature trails 3.9 A simple way finding system 3.9 References on trail design and construction 3.10

Linkages to Algonquin Park in the Town of Newburgh Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 6

Charrette summary maps

Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 7

Candle Factory site

Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 8

Trail-head at AF&F – new pedestrian bridge on existing abutment

SYNOPSIS: VISION, CONCERNS, ACTIONS Revised 2/14/02

Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 9

VISION The Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail is envisioned as a linear park, a living Quassaick community park that is made part of a regional Greenway Trail system from Albany to New York City, linked to the Hudson River Estuary. It is envisioned as a preserve and trail that will balance recreational, historical, and environmental values and will incorporate an appreciation of cultural artifacts, nature, land and water, the estuary, wildlife, and history from pre-history to the current renaissance.

It would be open year round, dawn-to-dusk, with benches, picnic areas for “portable lunches,” fishing platforms, overlooks at sensitive areas, an exercise trail, bird blinds, and interpretive signage for natural and cultural history. Docents/guides would be available, as well as interpretive materials, including a teacher's handbook. Information would be readily available on the website, with research materials accessibly archived.

It would be a quiet oasis, a place of refuge, solitude, meditation, for the appreciation of the outdoors, nature, the environment, and the message of a reclaimed landscape. Except for wheelchairs, there would be no motorized vehicles. Dogs would be leashed, and cleaned up after. Parts of the preserve and trail would be universally accessible, including a possible sensory loop trail. There would be no hunting, and a 100-foot forested streamside buffer that would protect and support not just the creek habitat but the many forest-dwelling birds that are now found there. Once common fish species would be re-introduced, and those that have struggled to survive would find their habitat conducive to spawning and thriving because of habitat restoration and enhancement.

In its access to the River, there would be a canoe/kayak launch. Parking would be at both the River Road trailhead and the Candle Factory Park.

The linear park would reclaim history, be a memory trail for the rich industrial history, Revolutionary War linkages, archaeological sites, the old Kings Highway, and Vale of Avoca. The entire corridor would be on the historic register. Educational materials, including a teacher's handbook, would be available. American Felt & Filter would be a working mill museum, giving context to the remnants of mill sites.

Educational opportunities in history and nature would abound, with networking and sharing among experts, students, and agencies. Students of all ages, from elementary to college to teachers-in-training, would find the Quassaick Preserve and Trail an outdoor classroom. Even the science of hydro-electricity could be explored, in the providing of lights for the trail.

Stewardship and responsibility would be shared by the municipalities, managed by a council of individuals representing neighborhood groups, sportsmen, educators, naturalists, agencies, scouts, senior citizens. Opportunities for volunteers would include guides, patrols, biodiversity inventories, trail-grooming, writing for publications and the website, organizing walks, and stream monitoring.

The Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve and Trail is to be a partnership of yesterday and today, of natural and cultural history, of environment and people.

CONCERNS ~ site cleanup ~ insurance issues ~ trail maintenance ~ property delineation/fencing Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 10

~ rules & regulations ~ safety & emergency response ~ protection of creek environment ~ flooding of trail ~ parking ~ RR crossings ~ water quality degradation from upstream ~ economic impact on neighboring communities

ACTION: OWNERSHIP/RESPONSIBILITY ~ Acquiring of parcels and/or easements by municipalities for permanent ownership/dedication of trailheads and trail route ~ Identification of clean-up needed, from debris to brownfields and funding sought to do so ~ Creation of stewardship council to manage project and then trail/preserve

ACTION: CLEAN-UP ~ Organize volunteers for small item clean-up ~ Arrange for removal of larger debris, perhaps partnering with municipal public works departments ~ Schedule 'trail grooming' regularly ~ Acquire brownfields grants for phases of clean-up ~ Use flat-bottomed boat to remove debris from creek

ACTION: CONSTRUCTION ~ New pedestrian bridge from proposed River Road parking ~ Fully restore twin-arched pedestrian bridge ~ Trail ~ Parking lots ~ Fishing platforms, bird blinds, etc.

ACTION: STUDIES ~ Biodiversity inventories ~ Fish as food, industry & recreation ~ Habitat: historical, flora & fauna (general ecology), industrial, geological, hydrology/aquatic/biology ~ Water quality: sediment ~ Watershed ~ Upstream impact ~ Monitoring ongoing ~ Pre-historical, archaeological, industrial ~ Usage impact ~ Important & interesting botanical species ~ Stream flow data ~ Community survey to identify potential users ~ Cultural assessment

ACTION: SAFETY ~ Shared policing by New Windsor and Newburgh ~ Federal funding possibly for bike patrols ~ Formal RR crossings/fencing ~ Volunteer neighborhood groups to also patrol Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 11

~ Developing of an emergency response plan, including mobile life & fire

ACTION: FUNDING ~ work with local grantwriters to identify and apply for relevant grants in partnership with Coalition members

ACTION: OUTREACH ~ Website ~ Newsletter ~ Media outreach ~ Speakers bureau ~ Educational networking ~ Historical sites/trails networking ~ Community survey of potential users ~ Interpretive materials ~ Brochure(s)

WORKSHOP RECORD Fri. Jan. 25.

Introduction to workshop (1:00pm Fri) Betsy McKean, City of Newburgh Engineering Department, welcomed everyone and introduced: William Ketcham, City Manager – Reclaim history of the area and the City, a prominent anchor for the future. Barbara Kendall, Executive Director Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. – wonderful partnership, love to see it integrated into the Greenway Trail from Albany to New York. Jean Wort, Vice President, Orange County Land Trust and Vice Chair, Quassaick Creek Estuary Preserve Coalition – hope to have more involvement from New Windsor, see more volunteers and to get the land acquisition going. Andrew Marino, Major City of Newburgh – attractive concept, hopes it comes to fruition, is the recommendation that the trail should be lighted? Betsy McKean: manage invasive species, educational programs for children, safety and security on the trail, need volunteers, history, ecologically balanced habitat, community juice – rehab. contaminated sites, design for disabilities, better access for fishing, links to other trails and protect and enhance the natural environment, while offering a recreational and learning experience for all who use the trail and park.

Breakout Group Discussions (3:30pm Fri.) 1. Master Planning (entire trail system) 2. Phase I Plan (Bridge Street east to river) 3. Interpretive Planning “Stories” 4. Recreation 5. Research and Education 6. Management/Implement

Group 1 – Master Plan - Friday Report (Stefan Yarabek, reporting) I. Cooperation A) Resolve Ownership & Maintenance Funding Ongoing B) Acquire Lands C) Cleanup

II. Physical First Steps A) Access/Parking Areas/Staging B) Cleanup 1) Large Debris 2) Misc. Small Items (Volunteers) C) Trail Construction Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 12

1) Candle Factory Bridge 2) New Bridge 3) Trail Proper D) Stabilization/Rejuvenate / Revegetate Banks E) Trail Amenities 1) Benches 2) Picnic Areas 3) Fishing Platforms 4) Recreational Opportunities concepts - concept of “protected place” Revolutionary War linkages - 12 mile memory trail - Easements for access across private land –Owner/developer benefits - ADA access along the creek - 100 foot forested streamside buffer zone - to connect to American Felt and Paper Company – working factory museum - Briefing about the history and time line of use - Candle Mill Community Park - New Windsor cantilevered bridge - The living Quassaick community park. - longer term to access Estuary

Comments by participants: How is universal design, accessibility to all on all parts of the trail being accommodated? Safety and security, start with management plan, bylaws, who are the intended users?

Group 2 – Phase One of Physical Plan – Friday Report (Ronnie Brown, reporting) 1. New Windsor involvement? American Felt and Filter (AF&F) involvement as citizen? – How to do it? 2 Parking Area at Candle Factory (Orange County's south side) – City Newburgh's north side 3 AF&F and New Windsor – safety worries! 4 Bridge – start study 5 Existing Abutment by AF&F (locate other bridge) 6 Mr. Plotkin willing to discuss trailhead 7 New Windsor involvement a) Neighbor to Neighbor b) Letter to Editor c) Personal letter to public officials d) Citizens group like the contaminated incinerator (reinstate) e) ‘SPARC’ f) Advisors that Town administration listens to? Rec. dept.?

First Actions a) Cleanup (whole area) 1) physical ‘junk’ 2) undergrowth 3) volunteers b) Pipes at Old Candle Factory Foundations and rubble and debris c) Newburgh public works dept. d) Work with landowners in cleanup – legally $ landowners responsible? – environmental liability e) *Assessment of particulars of cleanup Brownfield (EPA grants) Designate the caretaker: shared? – we own it now? – state/county linear park? – NW & Newburgh share?

Responsibility Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 13

1. Establish absolute land ownership a) foothold 1) AF&F's River Road parcel for trailhead 2) County's candle factory parcel for trailhead Transfer property closing (AF&F) responsible for environmental liabilities Plotkin's land – same environmental impacts No question – AF&F property (willing land seller) AF&F Parking lot – EASEMENT Retain environmental responsibility. You build it they will come! Vagrancy – forts – children play!

Phase I Resolve ownership and maintenance Acquire land Clean up $ Funding Brownfields – Orange County not touch until issues of contamination resolved

Next Steps of Physical Planning and Implementation 1. Parking/access – road improvements/staging area (prior to trail open) 2. Cleanup/low flow can jump across/large debris removal 3. Trail construction a) Candle Factory Bridge Redo b) New bridge (? $ Temporary footbridge) 4. Trail 5. Revegetate banks/stabilization (after open) Community Involvement in the start and end use Ambiance – Natural ADA partway Totally accessible? Wood chips, Benches ADA – all the way Canoe launch *Problems with crossing Walsh Road for canoe launch

Summary notes: Immediate order of business: - Resolve ownership of parcels. - Acquire funds ongoing as we have on an ongoing basis. - Cleanup, including Brownfield - Work with New Windsor Physical Plan of Phase 1: - Start with Bridge Street Candle Factory Site access (on existing access road) - Begin clean up maintenance. Volunteer projects. - Trail infrastructure. - Restore bridge. - Stabilize banks and establish/enhance vegetated buffer zones. - Trail amenities benches platforms.

Comments by participants: – add clean up/remediation of contaminants, precursor to development would be a thorough plant inventory (not take out the good with the bad), could remove large items on a flat bottom boat(s).

Group 3 – Interpretive planning “stories” – Friday Report Karen Heroy & Linda Thomas

ƒ Directional/Welcome *Website Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 14

ƒ Interpretive/Trailhead – near parking - Map of trail – length, type terrain - Rules and regulations – symbols To Do - Research - Oral History Project - Publicity – collect now - Natural - Land and water - Estuary - Wildlife - Food - Industry - Recreation Historical - Pre-colonial - Revol. War - Industrial Era - Post-Industrial - Current Renaissance Volunteers - School Groups – environmental science - Scouting Pre-Historic – 7,000 yrs. - Natural - Historic Along Trail – significant features - Twin arched brick bridge - Bridge St. bridge - Natural features: wildlife/floral/fauna - Mill/bldgs. - Linkages to other sites - Provide welcome signs and trail plans at trailheads. - Include rules, but keep them simple and communicate with symbols. - three classes of information: (1) natural/environmental; (2) historical/cultural; (3) prehistoric - Interpret the main features: Candlestick Bridge, Bridge Street Bridge, historic industries; and the linkages to other sites/trails.

Comments by participants: – need a pre-colonial presence, develop a docent program (welfare work program), Quassaick Creek website, dynamic community (estuary or not?), start an oral history project, publicity, design for ADA.

Group 4 – Recreation - Friday Report - (Emily Metaxas, reporting) Balance recreation, historical and environmental values. Define who is the user: Preserve to be a quiet place. A place of refuge and solitude, appreciation of outdoors, nature and environmental values, appreciation of cultural artifacts and the message of a reclaimed landscape. Primary use: nature appreciation and preservation, passive recreation, education and research. Users: primarily the residents of the communities of Newburgh and New Windsor, trail to be universally accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities, school groups, clubs, environmental researchers/educators, volunteer stewardship opportunities, sports fishermen; accessible trails and possibly sensory trail loops. Dog walkers provided that dogs kept on leashes and owners clean up. Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 15

Bike use to be considered carefully, but use monitored (mountain bikes can be dangerous to both bikers and walkers and can cause trail damage). Picnicking, although no fires allowed. “Carry in carry out” (no trash or recycling receptacles except at trailheads). Trail types: - main paths and loops that are to be universally accessible: compacted fines (acceptable for wheelchair), width typically 5 ft. - some overlooks in sensitive areas: boardwalks, bird blinds, with “plastic lumber” decks and benches (limited by budget but part of longer range planning). - other trails: compacted earth, maintained by mulch (to reduce weeding, mud holes and overgrowth). Excluded uses: (subject to continued discussion): - Horseback riding. - Motorized vehicles of any kind (snow mobiles, motor bikes) - Skateboarding or rollerblading (there will be few if any hard surfaced trails)

Concerns to be addressed: Insurance Trail maintenance Fencing and other designation of property lines. Designation of spring flood areas, with provision for safety provided. Rules and regulations Safety and emergency response teams

Other notes: Public access from Water Street Keep “Vale of Avoca” name Fishing access Plain English Rules and Regulations. Clear rights of access Signs explaining sites, historic markers Playground Tour guides –docents Open year round Focus on nature Natural colors to blend in Canoeing not practical except in estuary mouth Nature signs to explain wildlife Restrooms to look natural [comment: Restrooms are probably not affordable] Surface will influence use. Solitude is recreation Place for mediation Exercise stations Identify good bird blind locations Candle Factory good for family activities

Comments by participants: Active vs. passive use, picnic areas, no horse riding, no motorized vehicles – canoe OK, family use need restrooms and parking, playground area needs to be visible and accessible, how to discourage loud radios and destruction. (remove rip- rap),

Group 5 – Research & Education – Friday Report 1. Survey of habitat – to I.D. sensitive habitats - historical - flora and fauna (general ecology) - industrial Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 16

- geological - hydrology/aquatic/biological Natural/Intact env. vs. developed/degraded (restoration?) 2. Develop guidelines for use Maintain balance between educ./historical/environmental 3. Integrate educ., research activities 4. Provide training/education materials for educators and public – develop, maintain, protect 5. ID & Monitor sites for educ. And activity research needs 6. Describe impacts of multi users high vs. low impact areas 6. Create collaboration in all areas of surveying and education with experts and students and local agencies.

Research & Education – Group 5 Friday Research 1. Safe sites ID and monitor Bring stream back to natural habitat not throw out research and education activities dams – preserve the historical aspect 2. Water quality project by division/phase of the Watershed approach look up stream about issues whole stream sediment Test: sediment – nutrients, macro invertebrates, Review existing surveys created data on the area. toxins Collaboration w/ experts and students to survey and educate as a result (earmarking habitats will benefit education outcomes)

3. Survey the terrain and habitat – general survey of Bring in a consultant (expert) – [1-2 week process] the flora and fauna Physical/biological as support team.

Use college and high school students – (Americorp)

[Do studies at different levels (in a collaboration) but have one expert view contract/gather experts of birds] together from surrounding or local agents assistance groups (fish are already documented) 4. Clever develop guidelines for use around impact at all levels of use 5. Inc. (prehistorical) historical, archaeological What do you save and sacrifice? (industrial) education and surveying Hire an archaeologist to assess and survey the area before destroying these sites (original history) maybe restore these sites – preserve outstanding historical examples if there. 6. Define how we will educate students/public Will there be an oversight group? How to educate the educators Signage to educate along the path (guides and experts?) 7. Integrate all the uses historical, research and Wholistic approach back to presentation. educational – may want to keep examples of old ecology and its impact. 8. Create education materials – teacher guides Brochure for public and teachers Kiosks/signs for habitants/habitat lists and hand outs (what is the “story” the creek already tells) 9. Maintain/define/prioritize the balance between Invasion concerns leave areas to compare and preserv./educ./historical contrast Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 17

1. Make a list of target audiences General public – teachers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, tourists, adults Students – primary youth, secondary college (classes with teachers, research studies, scout groups, home schoolers, clubs, naturalists and groups). Don’t put too many restrictions to keep people from coming. The local people – youth, adults The tourists 2. Protection of the materials used at the site. 3. Workshop offerings 4. Identify/define intensity of use for each area Low impact vs. high impact.

Suggestions to incorporate (Gary Seymour, Wildlife Zoologist of Hudson Valley Wildlife) (1) Through DEC and urban forester (Louis Sebesta), provide a census and demonstration of important and interesting botanical species. (2) SUNY to have students perform scientific and academic study for credit and scholarship. Same possible for local high school students. (3) Introduce and establish habitats, feeding stations and nesting boxes for various wildlife species.

Introduction and reintroduction of wildlife, fish, frogs, reptiles and amphibians to the trail area. To provide observation stations and wildlife information along the trail. Overstock in game parks and commercial game parts the practice of overstocking insure the sighting of wildlife. Anadromous fish (fish that adapt to both fresh water and salt water habitat). Fish are there comparable estuaries along the Hudson which would mirror the Quassaick re introduction of fish above steps along the creek which have been deleted by industry but would flourish in the now- restored environment Historic findings of wildlife prior to 1900s industrial changes. Utilize region’s sportsmen to re-introduce fish and wildlife to the estuary and preserve.

Comments by participants: watershed approach (water quality, research & education upstream). order of priorities (recreational, environmental, historic) and their impacts, reclaim the stream

Group 6 – Management and Implementation – Friday Report - Karl Beard, NPS Rivers & Trails ƒ City of Newburgh will take ownership of north side of Quassaick (questions about New Windsor side) ƒ Provide illumination for safety (at park) Candle Factory ƒ Shared policing between New Windsor & Newburgh ƒ Hours of operation, and possibly seasonal limitations, needs to be determined. ƒ Federal funding is available for bike patrols (maybe). ƒ Ownership of contaminated sites? ƒ Flooding safety - high rain events (history of drownings) ƒ Crease? more formalized trail from heights/Jr. High to the creek. ƒ Railroad needs to be a partner to help facilitate cross-overs to tracks ƒ Volunteer neighborhood group to provide stewardship (patrols, monitoring) – trash pickup, etc.

Suggested Trail Rules - no alcohol - leashed dogs - clean up after dogs - carry-in – carry-out - no hunting - dawn to dusk ƒ Compacted cinder or Gravel path – not paved Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 18

ƒ No motorized vehicles on paths, except wheelchairs ƒ No motorized vehicles in Estuary portion of preserve – i.e., tidal Hudson area ƒ Benches and trails, picnic tables/candle factory site ƒ Park should blend into natural env. – part of the env. ƒ Part of long term strategy should include identifying places for picnic and barbecues (upstream) ƒ Concern for playground at Candle Factory –safe space? [should playgrounds be in neighborhood?] ƒ Ongoing DEC involvement.

Not just a trail, but a linear park, or an Estuary preserve. The first of perhaps a new family of protected areas. Watershed based management approach Look upstream and up basin

Mgmt. of Estuary Preserve should include a Stewardship Board of: ƒ City of Newburgh ƒ Town of Newburgh ƒ Town of New Windsor ƒ Orange County ƒ DEC ƒ Education Interest ƒ Neighborhood Group ƒ Youths (scouts?) ƒ Creation of inter-municipal agreement or other mechanism for management across boundaries. Local ordinances to protect creek corridor (watercourse put in ordinance); CEA? designation; buffer setbacks for developments, etc. ƒ Need a mechanism to provide ownership of acquired properties ƒ Municipal ownership would be advised to allow for Brownfields funding availability. ƒ Clean up ownership ƒ All/any development of property for trail, bridges, parks be done in the most environmentally sound manner. No. env. impact. Develop an emergency response plan – (mobile life and fire) Management & Implementation presentation – awesome place, clean up now! estuary or tributary?, large economic impact – improve abandoned property, impetus to the neighborhood to clean up.

Comments by participants: – need an Action Plan, what is the design criteria? physical plan to show options for debate, deal with flash flooding, access points to creek, where environmental sensitive areas are, balancing act and stewardship.

Sat., Jan. 26. 8:15am - 1:00 pm. Saturday welcome remarks: Betsy McKean – grants and acquisition issues, need an action plan – what we need and how do we go about getting it. Kevin McLaughlin (Trails Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway) – tie community trails together into a regional trail, this project sparked interest as part of that. Glenn Marshall (New Windsor Historian and police officer) – Security, access, unique history - Security and emergency access issues need to be addressed. There are holes at the Mill sites. Must define whom to call. - Historical notes: Quassaick’s rich industrial history still an evolving story: site of mills where canons and daguerreotype cameras were made. Russell Lange (President Historical Society of Newburgh Bay & the Highlands.) – Quassaick was center of industry, impact of dams and manufacturing on area and region, transformed from nature to industry and now to nature again. Quassaick was center of industry for Newburgh and New Windsor. Most of employment was there. As an historian, I am interested in the question, “How does history shape what we do today?” Story of use of the land. Who decides what are conflicts? Developer vs. Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 19 environmental values. Do we breach the dams (for environmental restoration)? Or do we restore them (for historical preservation)? The answer is not obvious. Quassaick as site of 18th c. craftsman manufacturing, to produce anything that required power. Quassaick was the site of about 18 mills. George Clinton Mill used Orange Lake, early mint, coins have been found that were minted here. Boise Mill 1743. Grist Mill by Jonathan Hasbrouck, Parmenter Street was the second street in Newburgh. Dam at Lake Street (historical photo). Water wheels on 3 ft. dam. Boyd’s Mill, 2nd mill at double arched bridge. Needs more research. Historic brick can still be found in piles near the site. Connected two sides of the creek. “Ettrick Mill.” 3rd mill is George Clinton Mill grist mill- paper mills dumped colors…water turned colors. Uses continued throughout the 19th century. Bleaching – Pin Mill- Chadwick dammed Chadwick’s Lake for greater security of water supply – wood floor over creek – Kilmer Wire Works developed wire for hay bailing – Factory still going – How not to interfere with American Felt & Filter Factory ––

Betsy McKean Review of Grants $ 18,000 Greenway Conservancy for planning $ 11,535 Hudson River Estuary Grants Program Stewardship grant $ 14,800 Hudson River Foundation pedestrian bridge stabilization $ 18,200 Hudson River Estuary Grant anadroumous fish habitat and fish ladders $ 10,000 Mid-Hudson Brownfields. $100,000 Orange County Land Trust mitigation funds

Saturday reports

1 Interpretive Planning 2 Physical Planning 3 Management/Stewardship Plan 4 Action plan

Saturday Report 1: Interpretive Planning (Reporter: Don Watson) “Interpretive planning” is a term used in the design of the visitor experience. It is essentially “telling stories about a place,” guiding a visitors’ attention to educational and recreational features. While a guiding principle is that “nature is best left to explain itself in silence,” even this decision to provide little or no interpretation is part of an interpretive plan. That is, one approach may be to provide trails and only minimal interpretation, such as benches, observation areas and numbered features that refer to a guide sheet or walk book. But also as part of a minimal approach, trail heads that are the point of entry into a trail system, should provide way finding maps and guidelines as to the length of trails, time required, etc. In the case of the proposed Quassaick Creek trail, there are a number of historical sites that if understood will add richness and understanding to the visit.

Interpretive planning is like writing a “script” for a play. It is always a work in progress and may be changed as it goes…ideally it allows many voices and many efforts to be added to it in future. In every community there are interested volunteers who will research a particular topic that might be added as a separate pamphlet or visitor feature at any future point. Having an interpretive planning framework at the beginning as part of master planning allows this process of interpretation to evolve in a comprehensible manner.

The goals of interpretive planning framework can be said to be: (1) Provide a comprehensive approach to way finding by trailheads, trail marking and interpretive media (such as numbered trails and/or additional interpretive signage). (2) Coordinate benches, overlooks, wildlife blinds, and other trail features with the “story of the place,” that is an interpretive planning script outline. (3) Provide recommended standards for graphic standards for icons, and type for signs that coordinates with brochures, walk books and WEB-based information.

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Three overall theme areas: (a) historic (including prehistoric) (b) industrial (18th-19th c.) and (c) environmental (water walk)

Ideas that capture the essence of the place: “Memory Trail” “claiming and reclaiming nature” “continuous flow” of human interaction “intersections” of people and nature

- Represent the “Vale of Avoca” theme (19thc. Romantic notion of the bucolic public life) - Use varied style of artistic rendering to portray the agendas. - Portray tension between industrial reality and romantic conception of it. - Illustrations preferred form of graphic signage. - Larger renditions are more evocative. - Move an older building to the site (masonry building off of John Street) - Do interpretation in phases. - Use library and other sites in Newburgh for artifacts/memorabilia collection and display. - Start with historical interpretation because funds are currently available. - Add lifestyle interpretations of the people throughout each era… - Make the interpretation about people, that is through peoples’ eyes. - Consider an oral history project (using videos available through Colleges and Schools?)

Images: Nature: etchings Historic: paintings? Industrial: lithographs and photographs

Interpretive planning presentation comments – smokestack important (restrooms?), a lot of information to interpret, linkages to the past, start with one layer and keep adding layers over number of years, oral history a key.

Saturday Report 2: Physical Plan (Reporter: Stefan Yarabek) ƒ Boundary ƒ Master Plan - Route - Tone - Theme • Phase One

Physical Planning A protected place Organic watershed the Quassaick Creek Code 100-foot vegetated buffer zone required and recommended for Class C stream Quassaick memory trail – list of top ten ways to conceive of the plan and its “stories” 10 Glacial 9 Native Presence 8 Revolution 7 Industrial 6 City Beautiful 5 Hudson River Estuary 4 Revitalization 3 Recreation 2 Research Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 21

1 Hearth/Sanctuary

Master plan breakout group notes – a) access to existing drive at Candle Factory blocked by parking, one-way street b) need a gate c) neighborhood park d) Reclaim Old Kings Hwy. e) William Christie (adjoining property) 568-5818, 32 Plympton ? St., old tavern f) RR crossing at grade (save $$$), create loop trails, no active playground near water picnic OK, tables maybe g) Run of break-ins happening in the area right now h) Plaque installed for the building of the bridge (CCC) i) For first phase – simple fencing j) Create neighborhood network, neighborhood watch – sense of community k) Old Kings Hwy – 1st historic road, tie Quassaick into revolutionary trail l) First Phase/first action – parking lot (with fencing) on candle factory site (municipally owned) and deal with historic bridge m) Playground for heights neighborhood n) Main acquisitions – Kessler and American Felt & Filter Trail physically on both sides of the creek

Master Plan presentation comments – Reclaim Gov. Clinton’s Mill (road to house), highlight access to the mouth of the river. On grade crossing, relocate stone shed on Kessler’s property to the trail area, watershed awareness, light rail connection?? from airport to downtown.

Saturday Report 3: Management and Stewardship Plan Stewardship ƒ Newburgh's Shade Tree Commission – good resource for mgmt. council. ƒ Ranges of use intensity separated into defined zones ƒ two models: Stewardship Council is active management entity. Stewardship Council is advisory group. ƒ Estuary Preserve designation may add stewardship role/resources for DEC?

Management Group Scenarios Preferred Status Quo Stewardship Council Formal Advisory Group Realistic Ownership and Multiple ownerships/not ƒ Acts as interest ƒ Multiple Easements coordinated holder ownerships/same coordination Management Plan ƒ None ƒ Develop and ƒ Develop and ƒ Ad/Hoc implement facilitate ƒ Crisis Mgmt. Finances ƒ City if main grant ƒ Solicit and admin. ƒ Solicit funds but not recipient funds administer ƒ OCLT $ ƒ Pooled funds from ƒ Separate budgets partners or commitments Liability ƒ Each owner liable ƒ Shared liability ƒ Each owner liable ƒ Risks not managed ƒ Risks actively and ƒ Risks actively centrally managed managed not centrally Maintenance ƒ None ƒ Maintenance plan ƒ Maintenance plan Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 22

and standards and standards ƒ Responsibility for ƒ No authority or implementing and responsibility authority ƒ Can coordinate resp. ƒ Recruit/organize parties and recruit vol.’s. vol.’s. Resource Protection Mgmt. Structure ƒ All separate entities ƒ Not-for profit ƒ Informal ƒ Coalition meetings ƒ Inter-municipal ƒ MOU between commission owners/managers for ƒ Joint MOU with all mgmt. plan parties

Saturday Report 4: Action Plan (Betsy McKean, Reporter)

Biodiversity Study – wildlife, forestry, fish Pay for? Volunteer? Consultant NYSDEC Hudsonia HV. Wildlife HS & College Students Audubon, John Burroughs Sportsmen groups Shade tree commission 4H, Scouts

Quassaick Creek Almanac, Organized by one-two leaders (Gary)

Repository (In the City of Newburgh Engineering Department) Newsletters, paper Website NEED WEB DESIGNER Biodiversity data Historical data Grant data Images Architectural and planning data

Web Ideas Newsletter Bulletin Board to post memories, Bio, historical, etc. data.

Outreach ƒ Newsletter/Brochure ƒ Trail Guide/interpretive info. ƒ Dog and pony show to take to social, church, neighborhood groups

Group Structure: Quassaick Creek Coalition 1. Create a structure with subcommittees (including outreach subcommittee) Chair? Secy./scribe 2. Maintain mailing/email/calling list (Barbara Knox will do calls) 3. Create itemized budget and wish list. 4. Identification of needed grants. Grant writing and implementation – look as score for volunteers. *Jasna volunteers to compile grant opportunities *Chuck Thomas – Grants writer – Newburgh Free Library, could train others Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 23

*Bruce Cohen – grants writer, Newburgh school system Mill Museum Historical Society Student project? Consultant? Seminars and conferences on creating Mill Museums

Action Plan presentation comments – Need a model ‘Almanac’ for what they need, produce a product to sell to get money for the project/volunteers, need great outreach to further grant monies.

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Appendix A: End of First day Evaluation Comments

Question 1: The following issues should be addressed tomorrow:

Specific things that residents in the community(s) can volunteer for.

So many of today’s ideas overlap from group to group and were so to the point that they should go to the next stage of discussion and development

Volunteering – know when to have a timeline for development.

Water quality degradation stemming from upstream sources – watershed approach.

Instead of picnic areas, per se, a small lunch, portable (sandwiches, etc.) would be fine. Many State and municipal parks have no picnicking, but allow portable lunch, what you bring in you take out.

So that the point doesn’t get lost – the upstream watershed impacts downstream. One thing I remember is the horrifying drowning story in the 70s of the SHJ students who skipped class and got caught in the swollen stream after a major rain event. Our area is getting so developed.

How to go forward with land acquisition/easements and where, and when – after the trail is designed, now, or later as opportunities presents.

How to get to park ownership commitment? Presentations of the results of this Charrette to municipalities and community groups.

Stream flow data: max., min., median vs. times of year. Tidal limits and variations: high/low at different points. Property maps; assessments; access.

Implement survey/poll from community in order to define uses ASAP. Identify proposed design @ access points (Water St.). Confirm viability ASAP and its impact on trail. Start publicity to generate community involvement and ownership ASAP.

Short term and longer research. 1. Survey of Ecological, historical, cultural resources. 2. I.D. sensitive, critical areas, endangered species. 3. Access for educators and the public to perform research study. 4. Balance between land use and access and monitor impacts. 5. Involve educators and students of all levels working in partnership with professionals. 6. Create ownership for students and community by including them in the planning, legwork (i.e., cleanup surveys, etc.).

Upstream effects on the estuary preserve (mostly negative). A biological and cultural survey must be done before anything can be done. In the realm of biology, the fish have been done. Birds and mammals are known. Flora would have to be done by a consultant. Reptile and amphibians could be done by volunteer naturalists. The cultural assessment should be (may have to legally be) done by a consultant. Until you know what this area “is”, how it is defined, how can you plan for its use?

Balancing/harmonizing the diverse visions for use and appreciation where possible. Prioritizing use where incompatible. Integrating the important and common mutual issues of the different focus groups. Be flexible to learn and revise our vision as we proceed over time.

Handbook for teachers, containing historical, industrial info. As well as the results of the ecological and water quality surveys. Who is planning the exact location of the trail throughout its duration?

I think these things should be addressed: 1. The protection of environment, 2. A Website for the trail, 3. Fund raising (i.e., optional donations), 4. Who is going to be in charge. Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 25

Media with newspapers/TV/ radio; local organization; schools; local churches and merchants.

Next steps; how to approach New Windsor; How to involve more of the neighboring communities – need more diverse representation; how to handle Brownfields issue; development of an action plan.

What is the design attitudes and tone for the park? Is it silent oasis of eco and history and nature or more institutionalization park? (preserve or playground). How do we establish or prioritize use and design criteria?

Prioritize target audiences. Think about who will handle maintenance of signage, upkeep, replacement of brochures, etc.

Question 2: My additional suggestions and comments are……

There seems to be a consensus of opinion and common understanding of what this area should be which should make the direction go ahead at a fair speed – not having to spend time gaining a consensus.

Keep up the positive – good work.

Begin trying to obtain environmental justice type grants.

There are people who have much expertise, teaching, speaking, who do not have a degree in said fields. However, some of us have taught courses in college and have expertise in identification better than formally educated people. Don’t lose sources of knowledge!!!!

This is now an “urban stream” and the highs and lows of stream flow have potential for danger. Also – people use that area now, some “invisibly” and without restriction. The researchers, subsistence fisher people seeking solace or a place to fool around will be affected by inviting the general public into their plan. How are their interests protected?

Address the economic impact on the communities.

Establish further action, PR, etc., to develop wide community support in both Newburgh and New Windsor.

Provide boat access: paddle, sail, and/or motor also by bicycle, horse?

It was good to see the large picture. The Charrette was well facilitated and allowed individuals with various degrees of experience and interests to have a voice.

This format for community planning is comprehensive and innovative. It’s a pleasure to be included with this contemporary group.

We need to maintain continuity and communication on ongoing basis to retain involvement of the committed people who participated today and encourage additional (contributions to this partnership). Ongoing collaboration.

Water quality (from beginning to end) of creek needs regular monitoring – maybe school group. Signs we erect—and we should do this at significant areas – should be structurally immune to vandalism (i.e., no glass panels, have a strong structure, etc.). Involve school groups, of all levels, as much as possible, as well as other organized youth groups.

I think the creek may be a part of the state park system (or) national park system (or) maybe some historical areas should be the historical site registrar. Also I don’t think there should be horseback riding Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 26 because from my experience horses tend to take over the trail, also it would be difficult to clean up after horses. Also make a citizens group for guides. I think there should be a workshop for everyone. When there is research going on, people should be able to participate to gain appreciation. Maybe there should be a Website about the estuary also with this there should be a web-cam of some trails. A wooden playground may not be used by the concern of splinters by parents. Also have the ability to have swimming.

Other parties to bring to the table: MTA/CSX; Plotkin; Kessler representation.

The solution should be new, different, noteworthy non-formative, yet inclusionary. Make it new and special for us and for others to come thousands of miles to experience. Would love to help more with designs and development.

Do surveys so we know what is important that is there. Identify two first projects: 1. Solve a neighborhood need (place to walk dogs? place for an exercise hike? quite place for lunch?) 2. Make one place accessible for school groups and identify 3-4 types of education that can happen there.

Memo from John Lonczak, who could not attend Saturday

The Quassaick Creek with its rich ecosystem has been a focal point for animals, plants and humans throughout history. It has supported their individual development and evolution whether that is biological, technological or sociological. It has been a shared space used both harmoniously and in conflict with each other. Moving forward these facts must be defined and celebrated in a park design solution. Ideally we should plan the space to allow a broad cross section of life to utilize the environment as it can best do (a sort of biosphere – albeit in a more natural manner). While doing this, let’s not think of the park as a fait accompli but as an evolutionary environment in progress of interest and value, not cemented in time, but growing. While bio and eco thinking regarding this may be sufficiently clear, the human and technological aspect may not be as clear. As an example or thought, perhaps we should harness technology in the most sensitive and useful ways, such as hydro, solar, wind and tidal power for electricity or other systems to retain the self-sufficiency of the environment. Let’s regard the Quassaick Creek as having numerous roles to expand and study opportunities in perpetuity. A sort of think place for scholars, dreamers, naturalists, recreationists and everyday people; A place to enjoy, discuss and promote; A new kind of park for a new age.

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Appendix B: Attendees

Elected Officials & Administrators Andrew Marino, Mayor, City of Newburgh William F. Ketcham, Esq. City Manager

Agencies Jay Beaumont Director, Orange County Water Authority Barbara L. Kendall Exec. Director, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley Kevin McLoughlin Trails Director, Hudson River Valley Greenway, Nancy Davis Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. Karen Heroy Tourism, Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. Karl Beard National Park Service, Rivers & Trails Barbara Fratianni NYS DEC, White Plains Scott Cuppett NYS DEC Region 3, Hudson River Estuary Program Tom Lake NYS DEC Region 3, Hudson River Estuary Program Lou Sebesta NYS DEC, Stony Kill Environmental Center, Urban Comm. Forester Lt. Greg V. Fischer Newburgh City Police Dept. Robert McKenna Community Development, City of Newburgh Elizabeth P. McKean Engineering & Archives Dept., City of Newburgh

Groups/Firms Dae Vitale Heights Association, also columnist for MHT Margery Groten Scenic Hudson John Gebhards Orange County Land Trust Jean Wort Orange County Land Trust Jean McGrane Mid-Hudson Land Revitalization Partnership Rudy Vallet Or. Co. Federation of Sportsmen Dr. Gary Seymour Hudson Valley Wildlife John Lonczak, VP Dutch Reformed Church Restoration Committee Bill Pryne, owner American Felt & Filter, Co. Mark Pryne American Felt & Filter, Co. Emily Metaxas Newburgh Neighbors Network Sandra Kissam SPARC Doreen Abubakar 4H

Historical Societies, Library, Museums Thomas Hughes, Director Washington's Headquarters SHS Jackie Grant Museum of the Hudson Highlands Patricia A. Favata Historical Society Mary McTamaney Newburgh Free Library Glenn Marshall, Historian Town of New Windsor

Educators Barbara Oliver New Windsor Elementary William Istone NFA Science Dept. Joe Chopko NFA Science Dept. Vincent Begley Mount St. Mary College Dr. Iris J. Turkenkopf Mount St. Mary College Patrick Deluca Mount St. Mary College

Town of New Windsor Residents 4 Town of Newburgh Residents 9 City of Newburgh Residents 11 Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 28

Consultants David D. Tompkins The Chazen Companies Christopher Coll Independent Living, Inc. John Dodson, P.E.

Other Barry Benepe former City of Newburgh Planner 1968-70 Ulster Co. residents - 1 Orange Co. residents - 8

Media Michael Glassman The Sentinel Ann Kuzmik Mid-Hudson Times Dae Vitale Mid-Hudson Times Melissa Hoffman Times Herald Record

Facilitating Team

Donald Watson, FAIA, interpretive planner and design charrette facilitator, is principal of EarthRise, a consulting firm specializing in interpretive centers, nature preserves and other environmental visitor venues. He is author of Environmental Design Charrette Workbook (1996), sponsored by the U.S. EPA to serve as a guideline document for community involvement in environmental projects. He is former Dean and Professor of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1990-2001). Last year, EarthRise’s community-based design of Went Field Park, Bridgeport CT, was selected as one of ten projects nationally to receive the U.S. Park Service urban park innovation grant award. EarthRise also recently earned a US EPA Region I merit award for community participation in design of a former brownfield site for reuse as a park.

Stephen Yarabek, ASLA, landscape architect, is principal of Hudson & Pacific Designs, Inc, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning in Kingston, NY. His projects include award-winning designs, such as the Tarrytown Conference Center and Trapps Gateway Center at The Mohonk Preserve. His trail master planning projects include the Revolutionary Encampment Trail, Wappinger Falls and Poughkeepsie Greenway Project. He is the lead design consultant for D&H Canal Heritage Corridor Committee and The Prague Vienna Greenway. He is responsible for the historic landscape restoration of several Hudson River Valley properties, including Sunnyside and Montgomery Place. He is the President of Friends of the Senate House State Historic Site in Kingston. Stephen serves on the property council of The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, Hyde Park, The National Trust for Historic Preservation at Lyndhurst, and the strategic planning committee for Clearwater.

Cynthia K. Belden is an organizational consultant with over 18 years experience in professional development, strategic planning, staff training, fund raising and social services, including specializations in special education and disabilities. Her recent client list includes New Haven Foundation, Rocky Hill CT High School, North Haven CT High School, Stamford CT Department of Mental Heath, Klingberg Family and Children’s Center, and Connecticut Department of Heath and Human Services.

Linda Thomas, artist and illustrator, is an award winning muralist and fine artist whose work is represented in collections in the United States and in Europe. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, she has been active in publishing, advertising and storyboarding for design workshops.. Her illustrations has appeared in Good Housekeeping and in Penguin Books, as well as covers for Simon and Schuster’s Nancy Drew and Bobbsey Twins series. Known for her depictions of nature and wildlife, her illustrations have been printed on scarves, ties, and dresses for fashion designer Nicole Miller. Her “Dalmatians” design has been one of Miller’s most popular and successful prints. Her work has appeared in prestigious exhibitions through out the northeast and recently garnered Connecticut Watercolor Society show honors. Quassaick Estuary and Preserve Trail Design Workshop RECORD Page 29

Appendix C: Summary of Participant Evaluations

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